Thousands of pride supporters have flocked to the Auckland Rainbow Parade this evening.
There was an increased police presence after protests disrupted last year’s event, but there has been no sign of trouble, with up to 25,000 people expected to attend the event on Ponsonby Rd.
Attendees lined up nice and early behind the barricades along Ponsonby Rd from Three Lamps to the Karangahape Rd intersection before the parade’s 7.30pm start.
Restaurant forecourts and businesses along the central strip were filled with people who secured prime tables and viewing spots to watch the parade pass.
Among the entities taking part in the parade were Air New Zealand, Fonterra, Foodstuffs, Woolworths, Burnett Foundation, Act, Labour, National, Fire and Emergency New Zealand and NZ Police.
Scouts Aotearoa were also among the participants, with about two dozen staff joining their float.
The Auckland Rainbow Community Church has about 50 members marching in the parade.
Members of the group were bearing signs with messages that read, “Faithfully queer”, “God loves you” and “Aroha ki a koe”.
Seven Fire and Emergency New Zealand staff are leading a fire truck adorned with rainbow flags. A banner on the side, with a silver fern inset into the rainbow flag, says, “Pride: Live Proud”.
New Zealand Police participants were being led by the iconic rainbow police car, while officers followed behind with the Progress Pride flag.
Ponsonby Rd residents were spotted waving out their windows at the parade passing below.
Among the Labour MPs marching with their party are deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni, Te Atatū MP Phil Twyford and former senior Cabinet minister Chris Carter.
Chris Bishop was walking with the National Party group, with members carrying National-branded signs that say “Celebrating Pride”.
Around a dozen people - including David Seymour - were marching with the Act Party float, wearing identical pink T-shirts with the party logo attached. Meanwhile, Seymour wore a light pink shirt and shorts.
Event manager Shaughan Woodcock said the parade is about inclusivity and a celebration of New Zealand’s rainbow community – acknowledging those with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.
Anyone planning to turn up to protest was being told a simple message: “Don’t come”.
“It’s a public expression of diversity, unity and support. And if you don’t support any of that kaupapa [philosophy], then don’t come. It’s as simple as that,” Woodcock said when asked about potential protesters, as seen at last year’s parade.
“We’re not encroaching on their rights. And we just encourage them not to encroach on our rights.
“I’m respectful that there is a freedom of speech and that we live in a democracy that supports free speech and protest, but protest needs to be peaceful and not fearful or intimidating.”
At last year’s event, members of Brian Tamaki’s Destiny Church broke through police barricades and blocked part of Ponsonby Rd, holding up the parade, as they performed a haka.
A group wearing T-shirts with words such as “Man-Up” and “Real Men” turned up to protest at the event. Many of those involved were young men or teenagers.
Police were called on to move the protesters off the road.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown later criticised their actions – particularly as the incident came after an earlier one at a West Auckland library, during which violence broke out when Destiny Church members turned up in protest of a children’s event featuring a drag king.
Brown said at the time that their actions were out of line and unacceptable. He also gave a nod to Auckland’s population of 1.7 million people, who he said are from all walks of life.
“There is absolutely no place for thuggery.”
Senior Sergeant Anthony Turner said authorities had maintained ongoing communication with the event’s organisers in the lead-up to the parade.
“Our people will be visible and the focus is on ensuring public safety.
“Should any instances of disruption occur on the night, then our staff will deal with that appropriately,” he said.
Woodcock said, like all major events, the Rainbow Parade has a robust health and safety plan in place to ensure the safety and protection of all those within the rainbow community, as well as all members of the public there to celebrate.
“It’s fair to say that any focus on protests or talk of protests just simply reminds us why we have this parade.
“It’s about showing support, but also about showing unity. If I can make one person feel safe or happy or that they belong, then I’ve actually done my job.
“There’s a lot of negativity and hatred in the world these days. But there’s also a lot of support and love – and that’s what really shines out from the people coming to the parade.”
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